Pneumatic signaling system



. INVENTOR EDWARD E. KLEINSCHMIDT 4/ ATTO'RY E. E. KLEINSCHMIDT PNEUMATIC SIGNALING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 5, 1934 April 23, 1935.

Patented Apr. 23, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PNEUMATIC SIGNALING SYSTEM Application November 5, 1934, Serial No. 751,505

In Germany September 27, 1933 I 26 Claims.

- The present invention relates to printing telegraph systems and apparatus and more particularly to printing telegraph apparatus wherein the several functions are performed pneumatically.

The objects 01' the present invention reside in the adaptation of means for channeling or distributing fluid pulsations under the control of electrical impulses and'for thereafter effecting a function selection in accordance with the re- 10 ceived signal permutation.

In its essential embodiment, the present invention contemplates the provision of distributing apparatus for channeling pneumatic impulses to the various permutation setting elements under the control of a line relay which responds to electrical current impulses received from a remote transmitting station. The pneumatic pul'seswau'se to be positioned a corresponding set of permutation selector plates having variously disposed apertures so arranged that for each disposition of the several plates a single alignment of apertures is obtained. Following this, an operating pressure is applied which seeks out the selected alignment of apertures and continues over a channel peculiar thereto, ultimately executing the printing function or auxiliary operation relative to the printer mechanism control. The arrangement also makes possible the selection of a character to be printed during the time in which the preceding selected character is being printed.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the present invention, reference should be had to the accompanying drawing in which like reference characters designate similar parts, and in which Fig. l is a schematic diagram illustrating the various pneumatic operating elements of the system;

Fig. 2 is a transverse section taken approximately on line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and features the detailed construction of the distributor shaft, and

Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view of a selector mechanism embodying the principles of the present invention.

In the particular embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawing, a signaling line H is indicated which is connected to a line relay 12. Under normal conditions of operation, the line I l is preferably provided with currentto energize relay l2 and cause its armature I3 to be attracted against the tendencies of a spring I4. The free end of armature l3 has a pair of oppositely disposed valve seats l5, each cooperating with a valve intake [6 or H. A sealed enclosure l8 surrounds the aforedescribed elements, and the enclosed chamber is maintained preferably with a positive air pressure supplied from the inlet source indicated l9.

Since the armature I3 is capable of two alternative positions, so accordingly the valve seats l5 may be presented to seal either one or the other of the intakes I6 or l1. When in its normal position as illustrated, the intake I6 is sealed, permitting the air pressure within the enclosure 18 to pass into the intake l1 and out over conduit 2| to duct 22 of the distributor indicated generally 23. Pursuant to a'no-current signal condition, the line H is without current and relay I2 is deenergized. Armature l3 thus falls back under the influence of spring I4,' seating itself against the intake l1 and opening the intake l6. When this happens, the pressure from within the chamber 18 is permitted to enter the intake l3 and pass out over conduit 24 to a duct 25 also located in the body portion of the distributor 23.

By observing Figs. 1 and 2 associatively, it will be noted that the distributor 23 comprises essentially a rotary shaft 26 frictionally driven from a power shaft 21 through a pinion 28 and driven gear 29 carried by the friction clutch assembly 3|. The shaft 26 has secured to it several operating elements including cams 32 and 33, a stop arm 34, and a distributor arm 35. The distributor arm 35 rotates under the control of start-stop synchronism and in its normal position is presented as illustrated in Fig. 2, whereat the stop arm 34 is blocked by the extremity of lever 36 which is pivoted at 31 and which is controlled by a pneumatic piston 38'.

In its normal or zero position, the distributor arm 35 is presented so that its bridging artery 39 connects the duct 25 with an associated duct 4 I. When under this condition current is removed from line ll admitting positive fluid to conduit 24, the communication is continued from the duct 25 across the artery 39, duct 4|, thence over conduit 42 to the cylinder chamber 43 in which is located the release piston 38. The admission of fluid into chamber 43 moves piston 38 outwardly, rocking release lever 36 about its pivot 31 and against the tendencies of a spring 44 until its opposite end is withdrawn from the path of stop arm 34, thereby freeing the shaft 26 for clockwise rotation as viewed in Fig. 1.

The distributor arm 35 as well as the other elements carried by shaft 26 now enter upon a cycle of rotation during which the bridging artery 39 rides off the ducts 25 and 4| and enters into communication with the duct22 and successively with the live conduit ports 45-49. Each of these ports communicates with a conduit, the several of which comprise the set indicated 5l55 leading from the distributor 23 to a cylinder block 56'. Each conduit 5l-55 communicates with an individual cylinder chamber of the flve cylinders indicated 51-62.

In the illustration of 'Fig. l, the block 56 is shown partially in section revealing the detailed construction of the first cylinder 51. This cylinder is similar in construction to the others and includes a piston rod 63 and a return spring 64. Each piston rod 63 is presented in longitudinal alignment with an associated extension 65 integrally formed with each of the selector plates 66 (Fig. 3).

The selector plates are illustrated as being flat, longitudinal elements having centrally thereof a row of perforations, the location and disposition of which is predeterminedly designed so that for the permuted placement of the several plates 66, each plate being capable of two positions, there is afforded an individual alignment of perforations extending through the several plates. On one side of the several plates there is provided a supporting stationary member 61 with which there communicates a fluid supply conduit 68 and which in turn affords a chamber'for communicating the fluid'pressure introduced by conduit 68 to the proximity of the entire central row of perforations indicated generally by 69 (Fig. 3).

A cooperating supporting stationary member indicated 1| is presented in symmetrical opposition to member 61 and is provided with a plurality of conduits 12 constituting, in the instant case, thirty-two in number, thus, when an alignment of openings 69 is afforded by the disposition of the several selector plates 66, there is provided a continuation-of the fluid path through said alignment of openings 69 to one of the conduits 12.

The introduction of fluid pressure over conduit 68 is controlled cyclically by means of a valve 13 periodically opened and closed by cam 32 of distributor shaft 26, and timed with the operation of bridging artery 39. As this cam is rotated, it reciprocates a lever "pivoted at 15, actuating with its opposite end the valve 13 and alternatively passing or cutting of! fluid supply pressure entering over the intake conduit 16, which communicates through the valve 13 and out over conduit 11. The fluid supply exiting over conduit 11 proceeds through two paths, one of which .is the conduit 68 aforedescribed and the other the conduit 18 which leads to a cylinder 19 which contains a special piston 80 that is designed to compress the several plates 66'between their stationary defining members 61 and 1| so as to prevent fluid pressure losses between the contiguous plates 66. The piston 86 contained within cylinder 19 also serves to securely hold the plates 66 in a set position, following which the code setting cylinders 51-62 are free to be operated pursuant to a subsequent signal, permitting thereby of an overlap in operation between the cylinders.51-62 and their associated plates 66.

It should be noted that the distributor shaft 26 is capable of considerable speed in rotation and that accordingly, but slight puffs of fluid pressure are required to enter through the ports 45-49 for moving the pistons in cylinders 51-62. Notwithstanding this operation, however, the setting pistons are moved throughout their full distance of travel, because of the provision of an auxiliary fluid supply source cyclically introduced by the operation of the valve 8!. This valve is actuated by cam 33 at a predetermined interval in the cycle and reciprocates lever 82 about its pivot 83, admitting fluid pressure from source 16 out over conduit. This fluid pressure is then introduced into the cylinder block .66, through a series of branch port holes 86, each of which communicates with the cylinder chamber of one of the cylinders 51-62. The ports 85 are presented a short distance to the front of the rearmost extremities of the cylinders so that after each cylinder has travelled a slight distance pursuant to its initiating fluid pulse, its port 65 is brought into communication with the inner chamber, following which additional fluid entering through port 85 serves to continue the movement of its associated cylinder until it has arrived at'its extremity of travel. The fluid pressure entering through ports 85 serves therefore as a locking medium for holding the pistons in cylinders 51-62 in their selected positions as determined by their initial operation.

Subsequently in the cycle, the cam 33, acting again through lever 82, closes the valve 8|, withdrawing the pressure irom conduit 84 and ad'- mitting atmosphere to the channel 86. When this occurs, the springs 64 of those pistons of the cylinders 51-62 that had been in their forward position, operate to restore the pistons and exude the displaced air through the opening afforded bythe valve 8|. The construction of a valve such as 13 and 8| whereby in one of its positions communication may be obtained from a source of supply to a given source and whereby in another of its positions communication is obtained from the given source to the atmosphere is well known in the art.

Since, then, cam 32 through its control of valve 13 governs the application and removal of fluid pressure to the piston 80 as well as to the selector plates 66, while in cyclic timed relation cam 33 correspondingly governs the admission of fluid pressure to the pistonblock 56, the two cams 32 and 33 may therefore be said to constitute the control factors of the overlap operanel fluid impulses over conduits 5|-55 rotates in a manner quite similar to that of electrical start-stop distributors. Its stop or zero position is determined by the engagement of stop arm 34, Fig. 2, with the blocking lever 36. Where, as in the instant example, the normal line condition is current as distinguished from no-current, the nocurrent condition is employed as a start pulsation. This causes the deenergization of electromagnet l2, the falling away of armature l3 and the admission of fluid pressure to duct 24 which, because of artery 39, continues the pathto cylinder 43. This moves piston 38 and dislodges lever 36, freeing the stop arm 34. g

The signals impressed on line H are translated by relay I2 to control fluid impulses by means of the intake valves l6 and I1. After they are converted into corresponding fluid pulsations they are distributed over channels 5I--55 to the cylinders 51-62. At the instant in which the pulsations are introduced into the cylinder chambers, fluid pressure has been applied'through the ports 85 by the operation of cam 33 and lever 82, upon valve 8|. The pulsations set certain ones of the cylinders 51-62 into motion which is thereafter continued by the fluid supply obtained through the ports 85, locking the selected ones in operated position. The pistons in cyl inders 51-62 may not at this time travel their full course, however, because when their piston rods 63 encounter the extensions 65 of plates 66, they are momentarily arrested due to the fact that the plates 66 are still securely held together by the operation of the overlap piston 86 contained in cylinder 18. In prompt succession, however, the pressure is removed from cyl- I inder I9 when cam 32, acting through lever 14,

closes the bypass valve 13, cutting off fluid supply over conduit 11. When this occurs, the springs 86 seek to bring the projection 85 of certain ones of the plates 66 into engagement with the pistons 63, but since others of the pistons 63 are being thrust forwardly by air in the cylinders 51-62, this effect of spring 86 prevails only in the case of .those pistons which are not operated in accordance with the particular selection. In other cases the pistons 63 overcome the tendency of the springs 86 and move the plates 66 to the new settings. Where certain plates 66 are set by a previouscode combination in a position corresponding to their subsequentcodes, there results, of course, no actual movement by reason of this coincidence. Accordingly there is permitted a minimum of movement by the plates 66 in contradistinction with other methods of operation where the plates 68 would be restored to normal position following each selection.

When the setting has been communicated to the plates 66, the continued rotation of shaft 26 and cam 32 again opens valve 13, admitting fluid pressure over conduit I1 to the branch lines 68 and 18. This causes the piston in cylinder 18 to clamp the plates 66 together in selected position, maintaining them momentarily while also preventing pressure leakage between and around the plates while the fluid passing throughconduit 68 enters the chamber of member 6'! and flnds the selected'alignment of openings 69 passing through one of the conduits 12, Fig. 3. Eventually the selected fluid pressure enters a cylinder chamber such as the one indicated 81, Fig. l, forcing a function piston 88 upwardly and operating the print type bar 89 or executing any one of several other printing functions in accordance with the particular selection. The conflcations and variations'may be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. It is therefore intended not to be limited by any of the details illustrated in the accompanying drawing nor by any of the speciflc language appearing in the foregoing specification, except as indicated by the hereunto appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a permutationselector mechanism, a set of code members disposed in contiguous relation and having variously arranged perforations allocated to provide an individual transverse alignment thereof through the several of said members for each permutative disposition thereof, means for shifting said members in accordance with the permutations of a code, a plurality of conduit channels issuing from the perforations on one side of said members, means for introducing operating fluid pressure on the other side of said members, and a pneumatic device for momentarily compressing said members subsequently to each selective disposition thereof to prevent fluid leakage between said members;

2. In a permutation selecting device, means for selectively channeling the path of an operating fluid comprising a set of elements having permutatively arranged perforations therein adapted to present a transverse alignment for each selected disposition of said elements, means for introducing a fluid supply at one side of said elements, a plurality of selectablechannels at the opposite side of said elements, and pneumatic means for compressing said elements momentarily during the application of fluid supply at said one side of said elements.

3. In a permutation selecting device; a set of selecting plates having permutatively arranged perforations therein and severally designed to afford an individual transverse channel through said perforations corresponding to each disposition of said plates, means for positioning said plates in accordance with the elements of a code, means for detenting the movement of said plates cyclically comprising fluid "pressure means applied contiguously to the several plates of said set, and means-for releasing said pressure means cyclically to allow setting of plates in accordance with a subsequent code.

4. In a signal control system, a plurality of conduits affording paths for fluid impulses, a distributor comprising a movable element for-connecting said paths successively during consecutive intervals with a source of fluid supply, and

means for interrupting said source of fluid supply.

selectively during said intervals for thereby channeling said fluid supply selectively over said conduits.

5. In a signal distribution system, a series of permutation elements collectively adapted to receive a code setting, a distributor comprising a movable member, conduits connected with'said permutation elements and having terminal ports presented in the path of said movable member, a source of fluid supply, and means associated with said member for channeling said fluid supply to each of said ports selectively.

6. In a signaling system, a permutation code selector mechanism including a series of setting elements, a. rotary distributor, means for channeling signal impulses to said series of setting elements comprising a relay, a source of fluid supply, means operatedby said distributor for associating said source of fluid supply with each of said setting elements successively, and means operated by said relay for controlling the flow of said fluid supply in accordance with its operation.

7. A mechanism for relaying electrical impulses comprising a sealed housing, an electromagnet contained within said housing, a pair of oppositely disposed fittings affording inlet terminals for fluid conduits, an armature controlled by said electromagnet having valve seats alternatively presentable against said inlet flttings, and a spring element in opposition to said electromagnet for cooperating therewith to move said armature alter.- nately between said flttings.

8. A device for converting electrical impulses into corresponding fluid surges comprising a sealed enclosure member, a conduit for supplying fluid pressure to the chamber within said member, a conduit issuing out of said member and communicating with a subjective agency, an armature having a sealing element presentable alternatively against and away from said last mentioned conduit, and an electromagnet for reciprocating said armature in accordance with impressed electrical impulses.

9. In a pneumatic signaling system, a permutation selecting mechanism comprising a set of permutation elements, a corresponding set of pneumaticsfor setting said elements, a pneumatic distributor comprising a rotatable member having a bridging channel for connecting a source of fluid supply with each of a set of channels communicating with said pneumatics, and an electrically controlled relay including an armature responsive to electrical signals for accordingly interrupting the fluid surges in said source of fluid supply.

10. In a telegraph communication system, an electromagnetic relay responsive to electrical signal impulses impressed on a line, a source of fluid supply, means controlled by said electromagnetic relay for interrupting the flow of said fluid supply, a distributor means under the control of said supply for initiating the rotation of said distributor, means rotated by said distributor for channeling subsequent fluid movement over a plurality of tributary channels, and a selecting mechanism for conditioning a plurality of controlled elements in accordance with the combination of fluid impulses received over said plurality of fluid channels.

11. A pneumatic selector comprising a set of selector plates having permutably arranged openings, means for shifting said plates variously for accordingly establishing transverse channels individual to each disposition of said several plates, a set of pneumatics corresponding in number to said plates and each adapted to set an associated one of said plates, means for returning said plates in opposition toits associated pneumatic, detent means for securing said plates in set position, a source of fluid supply communicating with said pneumatics, a source of fluid supply communicating with said plates, control valves associated with each of said fluid supply sources, and cyclically operative means associated with said valves for first interrupting the fluid supply to said pneumatics, following which said pneumatics are restored to normal position and then restoring said fluid supply to said pneumatics, following which a new code is installed selectively in said pneumatics, and for interrupting fluid supply to said detent means for permitting said plates to adjust themselves to the condition of said pneumatics, following which said fluid supply is restored to said detent means.

12. A start-stop permutation distributor comprising a rotary element, an arm carried by said element, a blocking member presented in the 'path of said arm, and pneumatic means for withdrawing said blocking member from the path of said am under the control of electrical signals.

13. A rotary distributor for channeling fluid impulses comprising a plurality of channel ports, a rotating element having successive communication with each of said ports, a channel for connecting each 0! said ports with a source or fluid supply, means for arresting said rotating element, and pneumatic means for withdrawing said arresting means under the control of fluid surges communicated through said fluid supply.

14. In a pneumatic signaling system, means'for interrupting fluid movement through a single channel, a rotary distributor comprising a set of subordinated channel ports, a rotating element for connecting said single channel with each of said ports successively, and means for arresting said rotating element cyclically in accordance with the flow of said single channel.

15. A relay for converting electrical impulses into fluid surges in a conduit comprising a pair of signal channel ducts one of which is communicable with a conduit, a valve having alternative seal engagement with said ducts and permitting communication with a source of fluid supply with the unsealed one of said ducts, an electromagnet, and an armature controlled by said magnet and operative to move said valve into alternative positions in accordance with the energization of said electromagnet.

16. A relay for converting continuously recurring electrical impulses into corresponding fluid surges comprising a conduit through which there is adapted to flow fluid currents from a supply source to a controlled apparatus, a valve located in the path of said flow reciprocable betweena flow arresting position and a flow passing position, a spring for holding said valve in one of its positions, and an electromagnet for opposing said spring and moving said valve to the other of its said positions in response to induced electrical signals. a

17. In a telegraph system, a rotary distributor switch having a series of radially disposed ports, a rotating element having a bridging artery for communicating a source of fluid supply with each of said ports successively during interims of its cycle of revolution, and means under the control of electric signals impressed on a line for in-' terrupting the flow of said supply selectively during the communication of said rotatable member with each of said ducts.

18. In a printing telegraph system, a line on which groups of impulses are impressed in coded relation representative of difierent selective conditions to be performed, a relay in said line responsive to said impulses, a. locally timed receiver switch including a plurality of auxiliary air-ports, a main air-port controlled by said relay, means for successively connecting said auxiliary airports with said main air-port, and means for rendering said connecting means ineffective after each group of signals and responsive to the first impulse of a succeeding group of impulses for rendering said means efiective.

19. In a printing telegraph system, a line on which groups of impulses are impressed in coded relation representative of different selectivez-conditions to be performed, a relay in said line responsive to said impulses, a locally timed receiver switch including a plurality of auxiliary air-ports, a main air-port controlled by said relay, means for successively connecting said auxiliary air-ports with said main air-port, means for rendering said connecting means inefiective after each group of signals and responsive to the first impulse of a succeeding group of impulses for again rendering said means efiective, a pneumatically operated mechanism individual to each of the auxiliary air-ports, and a selector element operative upon the actuation of each of the pneumatically operated mechanisms. I

20. A selector mechanism comprising a plurality of selector elements having permutably arranged openings, means responsive to electrical combinations, and pneumatically operated means. operated following the setting of said elements for sealing the same to render the aligned openings efiective.

22. A selector mechanism comprising a plurality or selector elements having permutably arranged ppenings, means responsive to electrical impulses, a series of pneumatics operated in re-- sponse to the operation of said means for setting said selector elements in varying combinations;

means operated upon the setting 01 said elements for performing a selective function, and means effective iollowing the setting of said elements for holding them in their set positions to allow said pneumatics to again be, operated before the com-.

'pletion of the preceding selective function.

23. In a telegraph system, a metallic conductor over which are impressed electrical variations corresponding to the permutation signals 01 a code, an electromagnet constituting a relay member operative to translate the electrical potentials into corresponding movements of its armature, a dis tributor including a stationary member having a plurality of ducts arranged in radial alignment and a current supply orifice radially in registration with said ducts, a rotatable member having a bridging artery for connecting said ducts with said supply orifice, and valve means under the control of the armature or said electromagnet for interrupting the current flow to said orifice in accordance with the electrical variations impresed upon said line. I v

24. The combination set Iorth in claim 23 including a stop member presented into the path of said rotatable member for arresting said rotatable member in a zero position, and pneumatic means under the control of one oi said ducts tor cyclically releasing said stop member.

25. In a pneumatic selector, mechanism, the combination including a set of code plates having perforations permutably arranged to aflord a transverse alignment for each disposition of the several ones of saidset oi! code plates, a pneumatic actuator associated with each of said plates, and a distributor mechanism for introducing operating fluid to each of said pneumatic actuators selectively in response to the signals of a code system having a number of elements corresponding to the number of said plates.

26. In a permutation selecting device, means for selectively channeling the path of an operating fiuid comprising a set of elements having permutatively arranged perforations therein operative pneumatically to present a transverse alignment for each selected disposition of said elements, means for introducing a fiuid supply at one side of saidelements, a plurality of selectable channels at the opposite side of said elements, and means forvcompressing said elements momenta'rily during the application of fluid supply at said one side of said elements.

EDWARD E. KLEINSCHMHJ'I'. 

